Our Summary

This research paper looks at the results of a specific kind of eye surgery that involves removing a part of a “scleral buckle.” The scleral buckle is a band used in surgery to help close a retinal detachment, which is when the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye that senses light, peels away from its supporting tissue. However, the buckle can sometimes cause double vision, or “diplopia.”

The study looked at the medical records of 12 patients who had surgery to correct their double vision by removing part of the scleral buckle. This removal was done at the same time as another procedure that adjusted the muscles that move the eye, with the aim of improving the alignment of the eyes.

The results were promising - the majority of patients (92%) had successful surgeries, and all patients reported that their double vision was resolved. Also, none of the patients experienced retinal re-detachment, which is when the retina peels away from its supporting tissue again.

This suggests that removing part of the scleral buckle during eye muscle adjustment surgery can be an effective way to treat double vision, without risking further detachment of the retina.

FAQs

  1. What is a scleral buckle and why is it used in eye surgeries?
  2. What is the purpose of removing a part of the scleral buckle during eye muscle adjustment surgery?
  3. What were the results of the research study on removing part of the scleral buckle to treat double vision?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor promptly to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are recommended scleral buckle surgery are typically those who have a retinal detachment, which can be caused by trauma, aging, or underlying eye conditions such as high myopia (nearsightedness) or lattice degeneration. Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

In some cases, patients who have undergone scleral buckle surgery may experience double vision as a side effect. This can be caused by the scleral buckle putting pressure on the muscles that control eye movement, leading to misalignment of the eyes. In these cases, patients may be recommended to undergo surgery to remove part of the scleral buckle and adjust the eye muscles to improve alignment and resolve the double vision.

Overall, patients who are recommended for scleral buckle surgery are those who have a retinal detachment that requires surgical intervention. However, in cases where double vision occurs as a side effect of the surgery, additional procedures may be recommended to address this issue and improve the patient’s visual outcomes.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of retinal detachment, such as sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over their field of vision.
  2. Patient sees an eye doctor who diagnoses retinal detachment and recommends scleral buckle surgery to reattach the retina.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative examinations and tests to assess the severity of the detachment and determine the best course of treatment.

After scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, during which the scleral buckle is placed around the eye to support the reattached retina.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye after surgery, which typically resolves within a few weeks.
  3. Patient follows post-operative instructions, such as using eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient may experience double vision as a result of the scleral buckle, which can be corrected through additional surgery to remove part of the buckle and adjust the eye muscles.
  5. Patient undergoes surgery to remove part of the scleral buckle and adjust the eye muscles, leading to improved alignment of the eyes and resolution of double vision.
  6. Patient continues to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the reattached retina and ensure that no further complications arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about scleral buckle surgery include:

  1. What is a scleral buckle and how does it work to treat retinal detachment?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with scleral buckle surgery?
  3. Will I experience any pain or discomfort during or after the surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery period after scleral buckle surgery?
  5. What are the chances of developing double vision or other complications after the surgery?
  6. Is there a possibility of needing additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  7. How successful is scleral buckle surgery in preventing retinal re-detachment?
  8. What are the alternatives to scleral buckle surgery for treating retinal detachment?
  9. How experienced are you in performing scleral buckle surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information about previous patients who have undergone scleral buckle surgery with successful outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Kumar P, Hoover DL, Lambert SR. Journal: J AAPOS. 2019 Feb;23(1):16.e1-16.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2018.08.011. Epub 2019 Jan 6. PMID: 30625364